We're elevating the next generation of aviation, together

Leadership team

  • Kevin Steen

    Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin leads AURA's strategic direction and growth, providing innovative and secure communications solutions for the aviation and critical infrastructure sectors. With over 30 years of experience in technology business development and operational leadership, he is recognized for his strong customer relationships and proven track record in balancing strategy with execution. Kevin has held CEO roles at Eutelsat America Corp., OneWeb Technologies, and iDirect, driving industry-leading innovations.

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  • Tamara Casey

    Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President, Business Development

    Tamara, cofounder of AURA Network Systems, has over 35 years of experience in telecommunications, aviation, and technology development, including network engineering, design, deployment, and operations management, as well as intellectual property creation and evaluation. As a licensed multi-engine-rated pilot, she has played a pivotal role in integrating UAS into national airspace, serving on numerous standards-bodies’ working groups and advancing command-and-control data links using aviation-allocated spectrum. A seasoned business strategist and industry advisor for global investment firms, her leadership and expertise drive AURA's mission to transform transportation through innovative communications capabilities.

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  • Ginger McClendon

    Executive Vice President,
    Technology & Engineering

    Ginger leads the development and strategic deployment of AURA's greenfield aviation communications network. With three decades of wireless experience, she oversees network architecture, product engineering, and technology labs, while advancing the company’s service offerings. Ginger's expertise spans customer integration, validation, and testing, as well as strategy and implementation for core, RAN, transport, software engineering, and network operations.

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  • Elena Micich

    Senior Vice President, Product & Marketing

    Elena spearheads the creation of innovative offerings, translating AURA’s technologies into customer-driven products. She also oversees marketing and communications at AURA, ensuring cohesive messaging and brand positioning. With over 20 years of experience in product development and startup leadership, she has successfully driven go-to-market strategies and new product launches for global technology and aerospace companies. Elena’s expertise spans market development, customer experience, and business operations.

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  • Heather Samartino

    Vice President, Finance

    Heather directs the financial operations at AURA Network Systems as Vice President of Finance. With nearly two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, she oversees financial reporting, accounting, audit management, and supports strategic financial planning, budget management, and procurement services. Heather's expertise spans across operational and financial strategy, systems of internal controls, and revenue assurance.

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  • Denise Olmsted

    Senior Vice President of Legal, Compliance & Regulatory

    Denise oversees AURA’s legal affairs by providing strategic counsel to ensure the company’s continued growth and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and legal strategy in highly regulated industries, including aviation. Denise previously served as Vice President and General Counsel at Aireon, a global aviation surveillance company and pioneer of space-based ADS-B data for the aviation industry. She also served as Vice President of Commercial Legal Affairs at Intelsat, a global geostationary satellite-services provider.

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Board of Directors

  • Walter Berger

    Executive Chairman, AURA Board. Previously President and Co-CEO, Kymeta Corporation

  • Michael K. Palmer

    Managing Director, Cerberus Capital Management

  • Dr. Shaygan Kheradpir

    Previously of CTIO, Verizon; COO, Barclays; CEO, Juniper; and CEO, Coriant

  • Shankar Murugavell

    Senior Analyst, Mudrick Capital Management, L.P.

  • Peggy (Margaret) Gilligan

    Previously Associate Administrator and Chief of Staff, FAA

  • Dr. Bruce J. Holmes

    Previously Chief Strategist, NASA

  • Peter Leibman

    Managing Director, Asset Management, Fortress Investment Group

  • Kevin Steen

    Chief Executive Officer, AURA Network Systems

  • Tamara Casey

    Chief Strategy Officer & EVP, Business Development

Empowering change through industry leadership

AURA team members participate in aviation's key regulatory bodies and industry associations at the highest levels.

AIA Board of Governors

Vice Chair, AIA Spectrum Committee

AIA Emerging Technologies Committee

Chair, RTCA Special Committee UAS and AAM Standards

RTCA Advisory Board

Lead, AIAA Subcommittee on AAM

Lead, AIAA Subcommittee on Electric Propulsion

NATA AAM Committee

AUVSI Air Advocacy Committee

SAE AAM Steering Group

Subpanel Lead, GAMA Electric Propulsion & Innovation Committee

Recent industry awards

AURA was recognized in 2023 and 2024 among the Best Tech Startups in Virginia.

AURA received Women and Drones ‘2023 Company Innovation Award’.

Locations

  • Headquarters

    1765 Greensboro Station Place, 9th Floor, McLean, VA 22102

  • Integration Lab

    Frederick, MD

  • Test Site

    Springfield, OH